Hi, my name is Martha Stalwart, not to be confused with another great craftswoman with a similar sounding name. I’m a guest blogger here at Kitchenislandshop.com. You may recognize me from my weekly column regarding a wide variety of home improvement topics ranging from showers and bathtubs to barstools. I am what they call a "Jack of All Trades" but rest assured–I don’t take that title lightly. I give each project my undying attention in order to produce the best results. Sometimes, I like to play this game where I outdo myself. If I do something better than I did it the first time, I consider it a win.
Today, I am going to write a blog about how to build and spruce up your own kitchen work tables or islands–a "Do It Yourself" project, if you will. I love DIYs because they really teach me alot. I look at furniture pieces that I’m refurbishing as a well of knowledge for me to draw my empty pail into. It’s just delightful to be able to come away knowing something more than when you came into it.
Before you start to build your own kitchen island, make sure that you need it in the first place. Some households can barely fit their bodies into their cramped kitchens, let alone another kitchen fixture. Be realistic about what you’re able to accomodate. Next, decide how big you want your island to be. This will depend on the size of your kitchen. Although you can build your do it yourself kitchen island or butcher block from scratch, most people don’t have the time. Bite your pride and go to a hardware store to purchase an easy kitchen island kit.
Assemble the shelves as the packages instruct and build in the cabinets. After you’re done, lay the counter on top and either glue it into position or, depending on how heavy it is, bolt it in with screws. For example, if you want to get a granite or stone kitchen island top, it is most likely heavier than the conventional countertop. Screw it from the underside to keep it in place. When you finish with the construction of your do it yourself kitchen island, you can paint it the color of your choice. Finish it off with a sturdy veneer. Voila, there you have it: a kitchen island! Do it yourself kitchen islands aren’t so hard now, are they?|
